2009 Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award Winner

NRA honors Susan Bierly of Stewartville, Minnesota

The National Rifle Association has selected Susan Bierly of Stewartville, Minnesota to receive the 2009 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and legislative activism in support of the goals of the NRA.

Bierly has worked on and helped promote many NRA programs including Friends of NRA, Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, Women In The Outdoors, Refuse To Be A Victim®, and Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics. An NRA Life Member, a Refuse To Be A Victim®Regional Counselor and an NRA Certified Training Counselor in multiple disciplines, Bierly's supportive mentoring attitude and extensive networking have established her as an instructor of preference. Since 2006, Bierly has trained more than 1,000 students at NRA programs and other events.

In addition to being a member of the NRA, Susan serves on the board of directors of both the Minnesota Rifle and Revolver Association and the Southern Minnesota Sportsman's Club, where she became Chief Instructor around 2000. With a storied list of events hosted, certifications earned, training given, and competitions entered, Susan has more than proven her dedication to ensuring the safety of the Second Amendment and passing her interest in firearms to future generations.

"Marion P. Hammer, former NRA President for whom the award is named, said that Bierly has "proven her dedication to the preservation of the Second Amendment. [She is one of] the Freedom Fighters who are on the front line in our fight to protect and preserve our Second Amendment rights and freedom."

"Susan is a terrific trainer in most of NRA's instruction disciplines. She has the respect of law enforcement, teachers and of sporting, hunting and shooting groups," Senator Pat Pariseau said in her letter nominating Susan for this prestigious award. Senator Pariseau recalled the NRA Refuse To Be A Victim®seminar Susan conducted for legislators and staff at the Minnesota State Capitol building: "Those who attended loved it and valued it highly."

"My motivation and enthusiasm come from team instructors, students, parents, and communities. I have been fortunate to work with youth and adults and see the gleam in their eyes when they are practicing safe shooting," Susan said.